Adapalene/benzoyl peroxide

Adapalene/benzoyl peroxide, sold under the brand name Epiduo among others, is a fixed-dose combination medication for the treatment of acne vulgaris.^[2][3] It is a combination of adapalene, a retinoid; and benzoyl peroxide.^[2][3]

Adapalene/benzoyl peroxide

Combination of
Adapalene	Retinoid
Benzoyl peroxide	Peroxide
Clinical data
Trade names	Epiduo, Epiduo Forte, Tactupump Forte, Desarena, Effezel, Belakne Combi, Aciduo
AHFS/Drugs.com	Micromedex Detailed Consumer Information
License data	US DailyMed: Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide
Routes of administration	Topical
ATC code	D10AD53 (WHO) D10AE51 (WHO)
Legal status
Legal status	AU: S4 (Prescription only)[1] US: ℞-only[2][3] In general: ℞ (Prescription only)
Identifiers
CAS Number	1194805-81-6 N
KEGG	D10792 N
NY (what is this?)  (verify)

It is available as a generic medication.^[4] In 2022, it was the 292nd most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 400,000 prescriptions.^[5][6]

Medical uses

Adapalene/benzoyl peroxide is indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris.^[2][3]

Side effects

Commonly reported side effects include the following:^[2][3]

• Skin redness
• Scaling
• Dry skin
• Contact dermatitis
• Skin irritation
• Stinging
• Burning

Research

Meta-analysis of clinical trials has shown this combined therapy to be more effective than either of its ingredients by themselves.^[7]

The use of adapalene/benzoyl peroxide in combination with oral antibiotics (lymecycline) has been studied;^[8] the combination was well tolerated and showed an improved success rate compared to those receiving only antibiotics (47.6% vs. 33.7%, P = 0.002).